top of page

Burnout 101: identifying, understanding, and overcoming it

Have you ever felt so exhausted that even the smallest tasks seem overwhelming? For many of us, this feeling—often rooted in prolonged stress—can evolve into something deeper and more challenging: burnout. Not just another buzzword, burnout is emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that can hit anyone, especially in high-stress environments like work, school, or caregiving.


At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, our team sees burnout as a serious condition, not just a case of tiredness or lack of motivation. Understanding what burnout really looks like is the first step towards managing it, so let’s dive into what burnout is, why it happens, and what to do if you’re feeling its effects.

Creative collage young woman burnout exhausted tired bored low energy drawing doodles

Burnout isn’t just feeling tired


Unlike regular tiredness, burnout isn’t something a weekend off can fix. It’s a gradual depletion of your emotional, physical, and mental reserves. Imagine your energy like a battery; burnout is when that battery’s been on low power for too long, drained without enough recovery time.


You might notice signs like:


  • Constant exhaustion, even after a full night’s sleep

  • Feeling detached or cynical

  • Doubting your abilities

  • Avoiding responsibilities due to feeling overwhelmed


When these feelings persist, they can affect everything, from work productivity to how we connect with loved ones.


Why are so many people experiencing burnout?


Burnout stems from prolonged stress, particularly in situations where people feel like they lack control or support. For instance, if you’re constantly facing high demands without enough time to recharge, the stress can quickly become overwhelming.


Working in competitive fields, balancing heavy family responsibilities, or navigating financial pressures are just a few of the factors that contribute to burnout. At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we believe it’s crucial to identify these causes so that treatment can address the root, not just the symptoms.


How we treat burnout at Schoen Clinic Chelsea


If you’ve reached the point where burnout feels unmanageable, seeking professional support can make all the difference. At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, our team of specialists is dedicated to helping people reclaim balance in their lives through therapy, guidance, and holistic care.


1. Personalised assessments: Our journey begins with a thorough assessment to understand your unique symptoms, stressors, and lifestyle factors. By exploring the specific sources of your burnout, we can tailor your treatment to target the areas where you need support the most.


2. Therapeutic support – your options: Therapy for burnout is about finding practical, sustainable coping strategies. We offer various therapeutic approaches that can be tailored to your needs:

  • Individual counselling: If you need a one-on-one space to unpack your feelings and explore your burnout causes, individual therapy can be a powerful tool. A dedicated therapist helps you understand your stress patterns and builds resilience strategies.

  • Group therapy: Sometimes, knowing you’re not alone can be a relief in itself. Group therapy brings together people with shared experiences, providing insights, encouragement, and support. It’s a way to learn new perspectives and find community.

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT addresses burnout by helping you identify and replace unhelpful thought patterns. By shifting your mindset and reactions to stress, CBT empowers you with practical, positive ways to manage and prevent future burnout.

  • Creative Arts and Mindfulness Therapies: For those who connect through creative expression, therapies like art therapy, somatic body mapping or mindfulness can be grounding. These therapies offer a hands-on way to release stress and gain mental clarity.


FAQs: what you should know about burnout treatment


How long does recovery take?


Every recovery journey is different, and it largely depends on how long the burnout symptoms have been present and the treatment you choose. At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, our approach focuses on sustainable progress rather than quick fixes. Recovery might take time, but every small step matters.


Is there support after therapy?


Absolutely. Our therapists offer guidance on building resilience practices that continue long after therapy. From mindfulness to self-care routines, we’ll help you develop habits that reduce stress and prevent burnout from recurring. We also offer follow-up appointments to check on your progress.


Seeking help is not a sign of weakness


The stigma around burnout and mental health can make it tough to ask for help, but reaching out shows strength and commitment to your well-being. Burnout isn’t a permanent state. With professional support and dedicated self-care, it’s entirely possible to recover, reconnect, and rebuild resilience.


Start your recovery journey with Schoen Clinic Chelsea


If you or someone you know is struggling with burnout, know that help is available. Our team at Schoen Clinic Chelsea is here to provide the support, empathy, and tools needed for a full recovery.


Contact us at 020 3146 2300 or che-privateenquiries@schoen-clinic.co.uk to book a consultation and take the first step toward restoring balance in your life.

14 views
bottom of page